Techniques for providing a semiconductor memory device

ABSTRACT

Techniques for providing a semiconductor memory device are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a semiconductor memory device including a plurality of memory cells arranged in an array of rows and columns. Each memory cell including a first region, a a second region, and a body region capacitively coupled to at least one word line and disposed between the first region and the second region. Each memory cell also including a third region, wherein the third region may be doped differently than the first region, the second region, and the body region.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/313,986, filed Mar. 15, 2010, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to semiconductor memory devices and, more particularly, to techniques for providing a junction-less semiconductor memory device.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The semiconductor industry has experienced technological advances that have permitted increases in density and/or complexity of semiconductor memory devices. Also, the technological advances have allowed decreases in power consumption and package sizes of various types of semiconductor memory devices. There is a continuing trend to employ and/or fabricate advanced semiconductor memory devices using techniques, materials, and devices that improve performance, reduce leakage current, and enhance overall scaling. Silicon-on-insulator (SOI) and bulk substrates are examples of materials that may be used to fabricate such semiconductor memory devices. Such semiconductor memory devices may include, for example, partially depleted (PD) devices, fully depleted (FD) devices, multiple gate devices (e.g., double, triple gate, or surrounding gate), and Fin-FET devices.

A semiconductor memory device may include a memory cell having a memory transistor with an electrically floating body region wherein electrical charge may be stored. When excess majority electrical charges carriers are stored in the electrically floating body region, the memory cell may store a logic high (e.g., binary “1” data state). When the electrical floating body region is depleted of majority electrical charge carriers, the memory cell may store a logic low (e.g., binary “0” data state). Also, a semiconductor memory device may be fabricated on silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrates or bulk substrates (e.g., enabling body isolation). For example, a semiconductor memory device may be fabricated as a three-dimensional (3-D) device (e.g., a multiple gate device, a Fin-FET device, and a vertical pillar device).

In one conventional technique, the memory cell of the semiconductor memory device may be manufactured by an implantation process. During a conventional implantation process, defect structures may be produced in a silicon lattice of various regions of the memory cell of the semiconductor memory device. The defect structures formed during the implantation process may decrease retention time of majority charge carriers stored in the memory cell of the semiconductor memory device. Also, during a conventional implantation process, various regions of the memory cell may be doped with undesired doping concentrations. The undesired doping concentrations may thus produce undesired electrical properties for the memory cell of the semiconductor memory device. Further, the conventional implantation process may face lateral and vertical scaling challenges.

In view of the foregoing, it may be understood that there may be significant problems and shortcomings associated with conventional techniques for providing a semiconductor memory device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to facilitate a fuller understanding of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are referenced with like numerals. These drawings should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure, but are intended to be exemplary only.

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a semiconductor memory device including a memory cell array, data write and sense circuitry, and memory cell selection and control circuitry in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the memory cell shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the memory cell shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the memory cell shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the memory cell shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows cross-sectional views of at least a portion of the memory cell array shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 shows cross-sectional views of at least a portion of the memory cell array shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 shows cross-sectional views of at least a portion of the memory cell array shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 shows cross-sectional views of at least a portion of the memory cell array shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 shows control signal voltage waveforms for performing a write operation on a memory cell shown in FIG. 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 shows control signal voltage waveforms for performing a read operation on a memory cell shown in FIG. 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a block diagram of a semiconductor memory device 10 comprising a memory cell array 20, data write and sense circuitry 36, and memory cell selection and control circuitry 38 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The memory cell array 20 may comprise a plurality of memory cells 12 each coupled to the memory cell selection and control circuitry 38 via a word line (WL) 28 and a carrier injection line (EP) 34, and to the data write and sense circuitry 36 via a bit line (CN) 30 and a source line (EN) 32. It may be appreciated that the bit line (CN) 30 and the source line (EN) 32 are designations used to distinguish between two signal lines and they may be used interchangeably.

The data write and sense circuitry 36 may read data from and may write data to selected memory cells 12. In an exemplary embodiment, the data write and sense circuitry 36 may include a plurality of data sense amplifier circuits. Each data sense amplifier circuit may receive at least one bit line (CN) 30 and a current or voltage reference signal. For example, each data sense amplifier circuit may be a cross-coupled type sense amplifier to sense a data state stored in a memory cell 12. The data write and sense circuitry 36 may include at least one multiplexer that may couple to a data sense amplifier circuit to at least one bit line (CN) 30. In an exemplary embodiment, the multiplexer may couple a plurality of bit lines (CN) 30 to a data sense amplifier circuit.

Each data sense amplifier circuit may employ voltage and/or current sensing circuitry and/or techniques. In an exemplary embodiment, each data sense amplifier circuit may employ current sensing circuitry and/or techniques. For example, a current sense amplifier may compare current from a selected memory cell 12 to a reference current (e.g., the current of one or more reference cells). From that comparison, it may be determined whether the selected memory cell 12 stores a logic high (e.g., binary “1” data state) or a logic low (e.g., binary “0” data state). It may be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that various types or forms of the data write and sense circuitry 36 (including one or more sense amplifiers, using voltage or current sensing techniques, to sense a data state stored in a memory cell 12) may be employed to read data stored in the memory cells 12.

The memory cell selection and control circuitry 38 may select and/or enable one or more predetermined memory cells 12 to facilitate reading data therefrom by applying control signals on one or more word lines (WL) 28 and/or carrier injection lines (EP) 34. The memory cell selection and control circuitry 38 may generate such control signals from address signals, for example, row address signals. Moreover, the memory cell selection and control circuitry 38 may include a word line decoder and/or driver. For example, the memory cell selection and control circuitry 38 may include one or more different control/selection techniques (and circuitry thereof) to select and/or enable one or more predetermined memory cells 12. Notably, all such control/selection techniques, and circuitry thereof, whether now known or later developed, are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

In an exemplary embodiment, the semiconductor memory device 10 may implement a two step write operation whereby all the memory cells 12 in a row of memory cells 12 may be written to a predetermined data state by first executing a “clear” or a logic (e.g., binary “0” data state) write operation, whereby all of the memory cells 12 in the row of memory cells 12 are written to logic low (e.g., binary “0” data state). Thereafter, selected memory cells 12 in the row of memory cells 12 may be selectively written to the predetermined data state (e.g., a logic high (binary “1” data state)). The semiconductor memory device 10 may also implement a one step write operation whereby selected memory cells 12 in a row of memory cells 12 may be selectively written to either a logic high (e.g., binary “1” data state) or a logic low (e.g., binary “0” data state) without first implementing a “clear” operation. The semiconductor memory device 10 may employ any of the exemplary writing, preparation, holding, refresh, and/or reading techniques described herein.

The memory cells 12 may comprise N-type, P-type and/or both types of transistors. Circuitry that is peripheral to the memory cell array 20 (for example, sense amplifiers or comparators, row and column address decoders, as well as line drivers (not illustrated herein)) may also include P-type and/or N-type transistors. Regardless of whether P-type or N-type transistors are employed in memory cells 12 in the memory cell array 20, suitable voltage potentials (for example, positive or negative voltage potentials) for reading from the memory cells 12 will be described further herein.

Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a cross-sectional view of the memory cell 12 shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The memory cell 12 may comprise a first N− region 120, a second N− region 122, a third N− region 124, and/or a P− region 126. The first N− region 120, the second N− region 122, the third N− region 124, and/or the P− region 126 may be disposed in sequential contiguous relationship within a planar configuration that may extend horizontally or parallel to a plane defined by an oxide region 128 and/or a P− substrate 130. In an exemplary embodiment, the second N− region 122 may be an electrically floating body region of the memory cell 12 configured to accumulate/store charges that may be spaced apart from and capacitively coupled to the word line (WL) 28.

The first N− region 120 of the memory cell 12 may be coupled to the source line (EN) 32 via a first N+ poly plug 232. The first N+ poly plug 232 may be directly coupled to the first N− region 120 of the memory cell 12. The second N− region 122 of the memory cell 12 may be coupled to the word line (WL) 28 via a gate region 228. The gate region 228 may be capacitively coupled to the second N− region 122 of the memory cell 12. The third N− region 124 of the memory cell 12 may be coupled to a bit line (CN) 30 via a second N+ poly plug 230. The second N+ poly plug 230 may be directly coupled to the third N− region 124 of the memory cell 12. The P− region 126 of the memory cell 12 may be coupled to a carrier injection line (EP) 34 via a P+ region 234. The P+ region 234 may be directly coupled to the P− region 126 of the memory cell 12.

The first N− region 120, the second N− region 122, and the third N− region 124 may be formed of the same material or different materials. Also, the first N− region 120, the second N− region 122, and the third N− region 124 may be formed of the same material having various doping concentrations. In an exemplary embodiment, the first N− region 120, the second N− region 122, and the third N− region 124 may be formed of a semiconductor material (e.g., silicon) comprising donor impurities (e.g., nitrogen, arsenic, and/or phosphorus). In an exemplary embodiment, the first N− region 120, the second N− region 122, and/or the third N− region 124 may be formed of a silicon material with donor impurities having a concentration of 10¹⁵ atoms/cm³ to 10¹⁸ atoms/cm³.

The P− region 126 may be formed of a semiconductor material (e.g., intrinsic silicon) comprising acceptor impurities. For example, the P− region 126 may be formed of a silicon material doped with boron impurities. In an exemplary embodiment, the P− region 126 may be formed of a silicon material with acceptor impurities having concentration of 10¹⁵ atoms/cm³ to 10¹⁸ atoms/cm³. In another exemplary embodiment, the P− region 126 may be formed of an undoped semiconductor material (e.g., intrinsic silicon).

The first N+ poly plug 232 and the second N+ poly plug 230 may be formed of the same material or different materials. The first N+ poly plug 232 and the second N+ poly plug 230 may be formed of a metal material, polysilicon material, silicon dioxide material, and/or a combination thereof. The first N+ poly plug 232 and the second N+ poly plug 230 may couple voltage potentials from the source line (EN) 32 and the bit line (CN) 30, respectively, to the first N− region 120 and the third N− region 124 of the memory cell 12. In another exemplary embodiment, the first N+ poly plug 232 and the second N+ poly plug 230 may be formed of tungsten, titanium, titanium nitride, polysilicon or a combination thereof. The first N+ poly plug 232 and the second N+ poly plug 230 may have a height extending from the first N− region 120 and the third N− region 124, respectively, to the source line (EN) 32 and the bit line (CN) 30.

The gate region 228 may be formed of a polycide material, a silicon material, a metal material, and/or a combination thereof. In another exemplary embodiment, the gate region 228 may be formed of a doped silicon layer. The gate region 228 may be formed of a semiconductor material (e.g., silicon) comprising acceptor impurities. For example, the gate region 228 may be formed of a silicon material doped with boron impurities.

The P+ region 234 may be formed of a semiconductor material (e.g., silicon) comprising acceptor impurities. For example, the P+ region 234 may be formed of a silicon material doped with boron impurities. In an exemplary embodiment, the P+ region 234 may be doped with acceptor impurities having a concentration of 10²⁰ atom/cm³ or higher.

The oxide layer 128 may be formed on the P− substrate 130. For example, the oxide layer 128 may be formed of an insulating material. The oxide layer 128 may include a continuous planar region configured above the P− substrate 130. In an exemplary embodiment, the oxide layer 128 may be formed of an insulating oxide material. The oxide layer 128 may form a trench region that may have a cross-sectional shape to accommodate one or more memory cells 12 therein. For example, the trench region may have a cross-sectional shape of a square, a rectangle, a cylinder, and/or other shapes that may accommodate one or more memory cells 12.

In an exemplary embodiment, the P− substrate 130 may be made of a semiconductor material (e.g., silicon) comprising acceptor impurities and may form a base of the memory cell array 20. In alternative exemplary embodiments, a plurality of P− substrates 130 may form the base of the memory cell array 20 or a single P− substrate 130 may form the base of the memory cell array 20. Also, the P− substrate 130 may be made in the form of a P-well substrate.

An insulating layer 132 may be formed on top of the oxide layer 128. For example, the insulating layer 132 may be formed of an insulating material, oxide material, and/or dielectric material. In an exemplary embodiment, the insulating layer 132 may be formed of a silicon nitride material. The insulating layer 132 may be formed above the oxide layer 128 to electrically insulating the first N+ poly plug 232, the gate region 228, the second N+ poly plug 230, and/or the P+ region 234.

Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a cross-sectional view of the memory cell 12 shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure. The memory cell 12 illustrated in FIG. 3 may be similar to the memory cell 12 illustrated in FIG. 2, except that the memory cell 12 may comprise a plurality of undoped regions. The plurality of undoped region may comprise a first undoped region 320 coupled a corresponding first N+ poly plug 232, a second undoped region 322 capacitively coupled to a corresponding gate region 228, and/or a third undoped region 324 coupled to a corresponding second N+ poly plug 230.

The plurality of undoped regions may be formed of the same material or different materials. For example, the plurality of undoped regions (e.g., the first undoped region 320, the second undoped region 322, and/or the third undoped region 324) may be formed of an undoped semiconductor material (e.g., intrinsic silicon).

Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown a cross-sectional view of the memory cell 12 shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The memory cell 12 illustrated in FIG. 4 may be similar to the memory cell 12 illustrated in FIG. 2, except that the memory cell 12 may comprise a first P− region 420, a second P− region 422, a third P− region 424, and/or an N− region 426. The first P− region 420, the second P− region 422, the third P− region 424, and/or the N− region 426 may be disposed in sequential contiguous relationship within a planar configuration that may extend horizontally or parallel to a plane defined by an oxide region 128 and/or a P− substrate 130. In an exemplary embodiment, the second P− region 422 may be an electrically floating body region of the memory cell 12 configured to accumulate/store charges that may be spaced apart from and capacitively coupled to the word line (WL) 28.

The first P− region 420 of the memory cell 12 may be coupled to the source line (EN) 32 via a first P+ poly plug 432. The first P+ poly plug 432 may be directly coupled to the first P− region 420 of the memory cell 12. The second P− region 422 of the memory cell 12 may be coupled to the word line (WL) 28 via a gate region 428. The gate region 428 may be capacitively coupled to the second P− region 422 of the memory cell 12. The third P− region 424 of the memory cell 12 may be coupled to a bit line (CN) 30 via a second N+ poly plug 430. The second N+ poly plug 430 may be directly coupled to the third P− region 424 of the memory cell 12. The N− region 426 of the memory cell 12 may be coupled to a carrier injection line (EP) 34 via an N+ region 434. The N+ region 434 may be directly coupled to the N− region 426 of the memory cell 12.

The first P− region 420, the second P− region 422, and the third P− region 424 may be formed of the same material or different materials. Also, the first P− region 420, the second P− region 422, and the third P− region 424 may be formed of the same material having various doping concentrations. In an exemplary embodiment, the first P− region 420, the second P− region 422, and the third P− region 424 may be formed of a semiconductor material (e.g., silicon) comprising acceptor impurities. For example, the first P− region 420, the second P− region 422, and/or the third P− region 424 may be formed of a silicon material doped with boron impurities. In an exemplary embodiment, the first P− region 420, the second P− region 422, and/or the third P− region 424 may be formed of a silicon material with acceptor impurities having a concentration of 10¹⁵ atoms/cm³ to 10¹⁸ atoms/cm³.

The N− region 426 may be formed of a semiconductor material (e.g., intrinsic silicon) comprising donor impurities. For example, the N− region 426 may be formed of a silicon material doped with nitrogen, arsenic, and/or phosphorous impurities. In an exemplary embodiment, the N− region 426 may be formed of a silicon material with donor impurities having a concentration of 10¹⁵ atoms/cm³ to 10¹⁸ atoms/cm³. In another exemplary embodiment, the N− region 426 may be formed of an undoped semiconductor material (e.g., intrinsic silicon).

The first P+ poly plug 432 and/or the second P+ poly plug 430 may be formed of the same material or different materials. The first P+ poly plug 432 and the second P+ poly plug 430 may be formed of a metal material, polysilicon material, silicon dioxide material, and/or a combination thereof. The first P+ poly plug 432 and/or the second P+ poly plug 430 may couple voltage potentials from the source line (EN) 32 and the bit line (CN) 30, respectively, to the first P− region 420 and the third P− region 424 of the memory cell 12. In another exemplary embodiment, the first P+ poly plug 432 and/or the second P+ poly plug 430 may be formed of tungsten, titanium, titanium nitride, polysilicon or a combination thereof. The first P+ poly plug 432 and/or the second P+ poly plug 430 may have a height extending from the first P− region 420 and the third P− region 424, respectively, to the carrier injection line (EP) 34 and the bit line (CN) 30.

The gate region 428 may be formed of a polycide material, a silicon material, a metal material, and/or a combination thereof. In another exemplary embodiment, the gate region 428 may be formed of a doped silicon layer. The gate region 428 may be formed of a semiconductor material (e.g., silicon) comprising acceptor impurities. For example, the gate region 428 may be formed of a silicon material doped with boron impurities.

The N+ region 434 may be formed of a semiconductor material (e.g., silicon) comprising donor impurities. For example, the N+ region 434 may be formed of a silicon material doped with nitrogen, arsenic, and/or phosphorous impurities. In an exemplary embodiment, the N+ region 434 may be formed of a silicon material with donor impurities having a concentration of 10²⁰ atom/cm³ or higher.

Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown a cross-sectional view of the memory cell 12 shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure. The memory cell 12 illustrated in FIG. 5 may be similar to the memory cell 12 illustrated in FIG. 4, except that the memory cell 12 may comprise a plurality of undoped regions. The plurality of undoped region may comprise a first undoped region 520 coupled a corresponding first P+ poly plug 432, a second undoped region 522 capacitively coupled to a corresponding gate region 428, and/or a third undoped region 524 coupled to a corresponding second N+ poly plug 430.

The plurality of undoped regions may be formed of the same material or different materials. For example, the plurality of undoped regions (e.g., the first undoped region 420, the second undoped region 422, and/or the third undoped region 424) may be formed of an undoped semiconductor material (e.g., intrinsic silicon).

Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown cross-sectional views of at least a portion of the memory cell array 20 shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of at least a portion of the memory cell array 20 along the bit line (CN) 30 and a cross-sectional view of at least a portion of the memory cell array 20 along the word line (WL) 28. The memory cells 12 of the memory cell array 20 may be implemented in a vertical configuration having various regions. For example, the memory cell 12 may comprise a first N− region 620, a second N− region 622, a third N− region 624, and/or a P+ region 626. The first N− region 620, the second N− region 622, the third N− region 624, and/or the P+ region 626 may be disposed in a sequential contiguous relationship, and may extend vertically from a plane defined by a P− substrate 130. In an exemplary embodiment, the second N− region 622 may be an electrically floating body region of the memory cell 12 configured to accumulate/store charges, and may be spaced apart from and capacitively coupled to the plurality of word lines (WL) 28.

The first N− region 620 of the memory cell 12 may be coupled to the source line (EN) 32. The second N− region 622 of the memory cell 12 may be capacitively coupled to the word line (WL) 28. The third N− region 624 of the memory cell 12 may be coupled to a bit line (CN) 30. The P+ region 626 of the memory cell 12 may be coupled to a carrier injection line (EP) 34.

The first N− region 620, the second N− region 622, and the third N− region 624 may be formed of the same material or different materials. Also, the first N− region 620, the second N− region 622, and the third N− region 624 may be formed of the same material having various doping concentrations. In an exemplary embodiment, the first N− region 620, the second N− region 622, and the third N− region 624 may be formed of a semiconductor material (e.g., silicon) comprising donor impurities (e.g., nitrogen, arsenic, and/or phosphorus). In an exemplary embodiment, the first N− region 620, the second N− region 622, and/or the third N− region 624 may be formed of a silicon material with donor impurities having a concentration of 10¹⁵ atoms/cm³ to 10¹⁸ atoms/cm³.

The P+ region 626 may be formed of at least one layer. In an exemplary embodiment, the P+ region 626 may comprise a plurality of layers. For example, the first layer of the P+ region 626 may be formed of a polysilicon material or silicon dioxide material, and/or a combination thereof. In another exemplary embodiment, the first layer of the P+ region 626 may be formed of a semiconductor material (e.g., intrinsic silicon) comprising acceptor impurities. For example, the first layer of the P+ region 626 may be formed of a silicon material doped with boron impurities. In an exemplary embodiment, the first layer of the P+ region 626 may be formed of a silicon material with acceptor impurities having a concentration of 10¹⁸ atoms/cm³ or above. The second layer of the P+ region 626 may be formed of a metal material, polysilicon material, silicon dioxide material, and/or a combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the second layer of the P+ region 626 may be formed of tungsten, titanium, titanium nitride, polysilicon or a combination thereof.

The source line (EN) 32 may be formed of a metal material. In another exemplary embodiment, the source line (EN) 32 may be formed of a polycide material (e.g., a combination of a metal material and a silicon material). In other exemplary embodiments, the source line (EN) 32 may be formed of an N+ doped silicon layer. The source line (EN) 32 may provide voltage potentials to the first N− region 620 of the memory cells 12. For example, the source line (EN) 32 may be coupled to a plurality of memory cells 12 (e.g., a column or a row of memory cells 12 of the memory cell array 20). The source line (EN) 32 may be configured on a side portion of the first N− region 620.

The word lines (WL) 28 may be capacitively coupled to the second N− region 622. The word lines (WL) 28 may be oriented in a row direction of the memory cell array 20 and coupled to a plurality of memory cells 12. The word lines (WL) 28 may be arranged on side portions of the memory cells 12 (e.g., memory cells 12 located on a row direction of the memory cell array 20). For example, the word lines (WL) 28 may be arranged at two side portions of the second N− region 622 of the memory cells 12.

For example, the word lines (WL) 28 may be formed of a polycide material (e.g., a combination of a metal material and a silicon material), a metal material, and/or a combination of a polycide material and a metal material. In another exemplary embodiment, the word lines (WL) 28 may be formed of an N+ doped silicon material. In an exemplary embodiment, the word lines (WL) 28 may capacitively couple a voltage/current source of the memory cell selection and control circuitry 38 to the second N− region 622 of the memory cell 12. In an exemplary embodiment, the first word line (WL) 28 may implement a write logic low (e.g., binary “0” data state) operation on the memory cell 12, while the second word line (WL) 28 may implement a write logic high (e.g., binary “1” data state) operation.

The bit line (CN) 30 may be coupled to the third N− region 624 of the memory cell 12. The bit line (CN) 30 may be formed of a metal material. In another exemplary embodiment, the bit line (CN) 30 may be formed of a polycide material (e.g., a combination of a metal material and a silicon material). In other exemplary embodiments, the bit line (CN) 30 may be formed of an N+ doped silicon layer. For example, the bit line (CN) 30 may be coupled to a plurality of memory cells 12. The bit line (CN) 30 may be configured on a side portion of the third N− region 624. In an exemplary embodiment, the bit line (CN) 30 may be configured on an opposite side portion as the source line (EN) 30.

An oxide layer 128 may be formed on the P− substrate 130. For example, the oxide layer 128 may be formed of an insulating material. In an exemplary embodiment, the oxide layer 128 may be formed of an insulating oxide material. The oxide layer 128 may include a plurality of barrier walls formed of an insulating oxide material. The plurality of barrier walls may be oriented in a column direction and a row direction of the memory cell array 20. For example, a first barrier wall of the plurality of barrier walls may be oriented in a column direction. A second barrier wall of the plurality of barrier walls may be oriented in a row direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the first barrier wall oriented in the column direction and the second barrier wall oriented in the row direction may intersect to form a trench region. The oxide layer 128 may form a trench region that may have a cross-sectional shape to accommodate one or more memory cells 12 therein. For example, the trench region may have a cross-sectional shape of a square, a rectangle, a cylinder, and/or other shapes that may accommodate one or more memory cells 12.

In an exemplary embodiment, the P− substrate 130 may be made in the form of a P-well substrate. In another exemplary embodiment, the P− substrate 130 may be made of a semiconductor material (e.g., silicon) comprising acceptor impurities and may form a base of the memory cell array 20. In alternative exemplary embodiments, a plurality of P− substrates 130 may form the base of the memory cell array 20 or a single P− substrate 130 may form the base of the memory cell array 20.

An insulating layer 132 may be formed on top of the P+ region 626. For example, the insulating layer 132 may be formed of an insulating material, oxide material, and/or dielectric material. In an exemplary embodiment, the insulating layer 132 may be formed of a silicon nitride material. The insulating layer 132 may be formed above the P+ region 626 to electrically insulating the P+ region 626.

Referring to FIG. 7, there is shown cross-sectional views of at least a portion of the memory cell array 20 shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of at least a portion of the memory cell array 20 along the bit line (CN) 30 and a cross-sectional view of at least a portion of the memory cell array 20 along the word line (WL) 28. The memory cells 12 of the memory cell array 20 may be implemented in a vertical configuration having various regions. For example, the memory cell 12 may comprise a first N− region 720, a second N− region 722, a third N− region 724, and/or a P+ region 726. The first N− region 720, the second N− region 722, the third N− region 724, and/or the P+ region 726 may be disposed in a sequential contiguous relationship, and may extend vertically from a plane defined by an N+ substrate 130. In an exemplary embodiment, the second N− region 722 may be an electrically floating body region of the memory cell 12 configured to accumulate/store charges, and may be spaced apart from and capacitively coupled to the plurality of word lines (WL) 28.

The first N− region 720 of the memory cell 12 may be coupled to the source line (EN) 32. The second N− region 722 of the memory cell 12 may be capacitively coupled to the word line (WL) 28. The third N− region 724 of the memory cell 12 may be coupled to a bit line (CN) 30. The P+ region 726 of the memory cell 12 may be coupled to a carrier injection line (EP) 34.

The first N− region 720, the second N− region 722, and the third N− region 724 may be formed of the same material or different materials. Also, the first N− region 720, the second N− region 722, and the third N− region 724 may be formed of the same material having various doping concentrations. In an exemplary embodiment, the first N− region 720, the second N− region 722, and the third N− region 724 may be formed of a semiconductor material (e.g., silicon) comprising donor impurities (e.g., nitrogen, arsenic, and/or phosphorus). In an exemplary embodiment, the first N− region 720, the second N− region 722, and/or the third N− region 724 may be formed of a silicon material with donor impurities having a concentration of 10¹⁵ atoms/cm³ to 10¹⁸ atoms/cm³.

The P+ region 726 may be made in the form of a P-well region. In another exemplary embodiment, the P+ region 726 may be made of a semiconductor material (e.g., silicon) comprising acceptor impurities and may form a base of the one or more memory cells 12. For example, the P+ region 726 may form the base of a row or a column of memory cells 12 of the memory cell array 20. The P+ region 726 may comprise a continuous planar region configured above the N+ substrate 130. The P+ region 726 may also comprise a plurality of barrier walls formed on the continuous planar region. The plurality of barrier walls of the P+ region 726 may be oriented in a column direction and/or a row direction of the memory cell array 20.

The source line (EN) 32 may be formed of at least one layer. In an exemplary embodiment, the source line (EN) 32 may comprise a plurality of layers. For example, the first layer of the source line (EN) 32 may be formed of a polysilicon material or silicon dioxide material, and/or a combination thereof. In another exemplary embodiment, the first layer of the source line (EN) 32 may be formed of a semiconductor material (e.g., intrinsic silicon) comprising donor impurities. For example, the first layer of the source line (EN) 32 may be formed of a silicon material doped with nitrogen, arsenic, and/or phosphorus impurities. In an exemplary embodiment, the first layer of the source line (EN) 32 may be formed of a silicon material with acceptor impurities having a concentration of 10¹⁸ atoms/cm³ or above. The second layer of the source line (EN) 32 may be formed of a metal material, polysilicon material, silicon dioxide material, and/or a combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the second layer of the source line (EN) 32 may be formed of tungsten, titanium, titanium nitride, polysilicon or a combination thereof. For example, the source line (EN) 32 may be coupled to a plurality of memory cells 12 (e.g., a column or a row of memory cells 12 of the memory cell array 20). The source line (EN) 32 may be configured above the first N− region 720.

The word lines (WL) 28 may be capacitively coupled to the second N− region 722. The word lines (WL) 28 may be oriented in a row direction of the memory cell array 20 and coupled to a plurality of memory cells 12. The word lines (WL) 28 may be arranged on side portions of the memory cells 12 (e.g., memory cells 12 located on a row direction of the memory cell array 20). For example, the word lines (WL) 28 may be arranged at two side portions of the second N− region 722 of the memory cells 12.

For example, the word lines (WL) 28 may be formed of a polycide material (e.g., a combination of a metal material and a silicon material), a metal material, and/or a combination of a polycide material and a metal material. In another exemplary embodiment, the word lines (WL) 28 may be formed of an N+ doped silicon material. In an exemplary embodiment, the word lines (WL) 28 may capacitively couple a voltage potential/current source of the memory cell selection and control circuitry 38 to the second N− region 722 of the memory cell 12. In an exemplary embodiment, the first word line (WL) 28 may implement a write logic low (e.g., binary “0” data state) operation on the memory cell 12, while the second word line (WL) 28 may implement a write logic high (e.g., binary “1” data state) operation.

The bit line (CN) 30 may be coupled to the third N− region 724 of the memory cell 12. The bit line (CN) 30 may be formed of a metal material. In another exemplary embodiment, the bit line (CN) 30 may be formed of a polycide material (e.g., a combination of a metal material and a silicon material). In other exemplary embodiments, the bit line (CN) 30 may be formed of an N+ doped silicon layer. For example, the bit line (CN) 30 may be coupled to a plurality of memory cells 12. The bit line (CN) 30 may be configured on a side portion of the third N− region 724.

An oxide layer 128 may be formed on the P+ region 726 and/or the N+ substrate 130. For example, the oxide layer 128 may be formed of an insulating material. In an exemplary embodiment, the oxide layer 128 may be formed of an insulating oxide material. The oxide layer 128 may include a plurality of barrier walls formed of an insulating oxide material. The plurality of barrier walls may be oriented in a column direction and a row direction of the memory cell array 20. For example, first barrier wall of the plurality of barrier walls may be oriented in a column direction. A second barrier wall of the plurality of barrier walls may be oriented in a row direction. The first barrier wall oriented in a column direction may have a different height from the second barrier wall oriented in a row direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the first barrier wall oriented in the column direction and the second barrier wall oriented in the row direction may intersect to form a trench region. The oxide layer 128 may form a trench region that may have a cross-sectional shape to accommodate one or more memory cells 12 therein. For example, the trench region may have a cross-sectional shape of a square, a rectangle, a cylinder, and/or other shapes that may accommodate one or more memory cells 12.

In an exemplary embodiment, the N+ substrate 130 may be made in the form of an N-well substrate. In another exemplary embodiment, the N+ substrate 130 may be made of a semiconductor material (e.g., silicon) comprising donor impurities and may form a base of the memory cell array 20. In alternative exemplary embodiments, a plurality of N+ substrates 130 may form the base of the memory cell array 20 or a single N+ substrate 130 may form the base of the memory cell array 20.

An insulating layer 132 may be formed on top of the first N− region 720. For example, the insulating layer 132 may be formed of an insulating material, oxide material, and/or dielectric material. In an exemplary embodiment, the insulating layer 132 may be formed of a silicon nitride material. The insulating layer 132 may be formed above the first N− region 720 to electrically insulating the source line (EN) 32.

Referring to FIG. 8, there is shown cross-sectional views of at least a portion of the memory cell array 20 shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of at least a portion of the memory cell array 20 along the bit line (CN) 30 and a cross-sectional view of at least a portion of the memory cell array 20 along the word line (WL) 28. The memory cells 12 of the memory cell array 20 may be implemented in a vertical configuration having various regions. For example, the memory cell 12 may comprise a first P− region 820, a second P− region 822, a third P− region 824, and/or an N+ region 826. The first P− region 820, the second P− region 822, the third P− region 824, and/or the N+ region 826 may be disposed in a sequential contiguous relationship, and may extend vertically from a plane defined by an N+ substrate 130. In an exemplary embodiment, the second P− region 822 may be an electrically floating body region of the memory cell 12 configured to accumulate/store charges, and may be spaced apart from and capacitively coupled to the plurality of word lines (WL) 28.

The first P− region 820 of the memory cell 12 may be coupled to the source line (EN) 32. The second P− region 822 of the memory cell 12 may be capacitively coupled to the word line (WL) 28. The third P− region 824 of the memory cell 12 may be coupled to a bit line (CN) 30. The N+ region 826 of the memory cell 12 may be coupled to a carrier injection line (EP) 34.

The first P− region 820, the second P− region 822, and the third P− region 824 may be formed of the same material or different materials. Also, the first P− region 820, the second P− region 822, and the third P− region 824 may be formed of the same material having various doping concentrations. In an exemplary embodiment, the first P− region 820, the second P− region 822, and the third P− region 824 may be formed of a semiconductor material (e.g., silicon) comprising acceptor impurities. The first P− region 820, the second P− region 822, and/or the third P− region 824 may be formed of a silicon material doped with boron impurities. In an exemplary embodiment, the first P− region 820, the second P− region 822, and/or the third P− region 824 may be formed of a silicon material with acceptor impurities having a concentration of 10¹⁵ atoms/cm³ to 10¹⁸ atoms/cm³.

The N+ region 826 may be formed of at least one layer. In an exemplary embodiment, the N+ region 826 may comprise a plurality of layers. For example, the first layer of the N+ region 826 may be formed of a polysilicon material or silicon dioxide material, and/or a combination thereof. In another exemplary embodiment, the first layer of the N+ region 826 may be formed of a semiconductor material (e.g., intrinsic silicon) comprising donor impurities. For example, the first layer of the N+ region 826 may be formed of a silicon material doped with boron impurities. In an exemplary embodiment, the first layer of the N+ region 826 may be formed of a silicon material with donor impurities having a concentration of 10¹⁸ atoms/cm³ or above. The second layer of the N+ region 826 may be formed of a metal material, polysilicon material, silicon dioxide material, and/or a combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the second layer of the N+ region 826 may be formed of tungsten, titanium, titanium nitride, polysilicon or a combination thereof.

The source line (EN) 32 may be formed of a metal material. In another exemplary embodiment, the source line (EN) 32 may be formed of a polycide material (e.g., a combination of a metal material and a silicon material). In other exemplary embodiments, the source line (EN) 32 may be formed of a P+ doped silicon layer. The source line (EN) 32 may provide voltage potentials to the first P− region 820 of the memory cells 12. For example, the source line (EN) 32 may be coupled to a plurality of memory cells 12 (e.g., a column or a row of memory cells 12 of the memory cell array 20). The source line (EN) 32 may be configured on a side portion of the first P− region 820.

The word lines (WL) 28 may be capacitively coupled to the second P− region 822. The word lines (WL) 28 may be oriented in a row direction of the memory cell array 20 and coupled to a plurality of memory cells 12. The word lines (WL) 28 may be arranged on side portions of the memory cells 12 (e.g., memory cells 12 located on a row direction of the memory cell array 20). For example, the word lines (WL) 28 may be arranged at two side portions of the second P− region 822 of the memory cells 12.

For example, the word lines (WL) 28 may be formed of a polycide material (e.g., a combination of a metal material and a silicon material), a metal material, and/or a combination of a polycide material and a metal material. In another exemplary embodiment, the word lines (WL) 28 may be formed of a P+ doped silicon material. In an exemplary embodiment, the word lines (WL) 28 may capacitively couple a voltage/current source of the memory cell selection and control circuitry 38 to the second P− region 822 of the memory cell 12. In an exemplary embodiment, the first word line (WL) 28 arranged on a side portion of the second P− region 822 may implement a write logic low (e.g., binary “0” data state) operation on the memory cell 12, while the second word line (WL) 28 arranged on an opposite side portion of the second P− region 822 may implement a write logic high (e.g., binary “1” data state) operation.

The bit line (CN) 30 may be coupled to the third P− region 824 of the memory cell 12. The bit line (CN) 30 may be formed of a metal material. In another exemplary embodiment, the bit line (CN) 30 may be formed of a polycide material (e.g., a combination of a metal material and a silicon material). In other exemplary embodiments, the bit line (CN) 30 may be formed of a P+ doped silicon layer. For example, the bit line (CN) 30 may be coupled to a plurality of memory cells 12. The bit line (CN) 30 may be configured on a side portion of the third P− region 824. In an exemplary embodiment, the bit line (CN) 30 may be configured on an opposite side portion as the source line (EN) 30.

An oxide layer 128 may be formed on the N+ substrate 130. For example, the oxide layer 128 may be formed of an insulating material. In an exemplary embodiment, the oxide layer 128 may be formed of an insulating oxide material. The oxide layer 128 may include a plurality of barrier walls formed of an insulating oxide material. The plurality of barrier walls may be oriented in a column direction and a row direction of the memory cell array 20. For example, a first barrier wall of the plurality of barrier walls may be oriented in a column direction. A second barrier wall of the plurality of barrier walls may be oriented in a row direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the first barrier wall oriented in the column direction and the second barrier wall oriented in the row direction may intersect to form a trench region. The oxide layer 128 may form a trench region that may have a cross-sectional shape to accommodate one or more memory cells 12 therein. For example, the trench region may have a cross-sectional shape of a square, a rectangle, a cylinder, and/or other shapes that may accommodate one or more memory cells 12.

In an exemplary embodiment, the N+ substrate 130 may be made in the form of an N-well substrate. In another exemplary embodiment, the N+ substrate 130 may be made of a semiconductor material (e.g., silicon) comprising donor impurities and may form a base of the memory cell array 20. In alternative exemplary embodiments, a plurality of N+ substrates 130 may form the base of the memory cell array 20 or a single N+ substrate 130 may form the base of the memory cell array 20.

An insulating layer 132 may be formed on top of the N+ region 826. For example, the insulating layer 132 may be formed of an insulating material, oxide material, and/or dielectric material. In an exemplary embodiment, the insulating layer 132 may be formed of a silicon nitride material. The insulating layer 132 may be formed above the N+ region 826 to electrically insulating the N+ region 826.

Referring to FIG. 9, there is shown cross-sectional views of at least a portion of the memory cell array 20 shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of at least a portion of the memory cell array 20 along the bit line (CN) 30 and a cross-sectional view of at least a portion of the memory cell array 20 along the word line (WL) 28. The memory cells 12 of the memory cell array 20 may be implemented in a vertical configuration having various regions. For example, the memory cell 12 may comprise a first P− region 920, a second P− region 922, a third P− region 924, and/or an N+ region 926. The first P− region 920, the second P− region 922, the third P− region 924, and/or the N+ region 926 may be disposed in a sequential contiguous relationship, and may extend vertically from a plane defined by a P+ substrate 130. In an exemplary embodiment, the second P− region 922 may be an electrically floating body region of the memory cell 12 configured to accumulate/store charges, and may be spaced apart from and capacitively coupled to the plurality of word lines (WL) 28.

The first P− region 920 of the memory cell 12 may be coupled to the bit line (CN) 30. The second P− region 922 of the memory cell 12 may be capacitively coupled to the word line (WL) 28. The third P− region 924 of the memory cell 12 may be coupled to the source line (EN) 32. The N+ region 926 of the memory cell 12 may be coupled to a carrier injection line (EP) 34.

The first P− region 920, the second P− region 922, and the third P− region 924 may be formed of the same material or different materials. Also, the first P− region 920, the second P− region 922, and the third P− region 924 may be formed of the same material having various doping concentrations. In an exemplary embodiment, the first P− region 920, the second P− region 922, and the third P− region 924 may be formed of a semiconductor material (e.g., silicon) comprising acceptor impurities. For example, the first P− region 920, the second P− region 922, and/or the third P− region 924 may be formed of a silicon material doped with boron impurities. In an exemplary embodiment, the first P− region 920, the second P− region 922, and/or the third P− region 924 may be formed of a silicon material with acceptor impurities having a concentration of 10¹⁵ atoms/cm³ to 10¹⁸ atoms/cm³.

The N+ region 926 may be made in the form of an N-well region. In another exemplary embodiment, the N+ region 926 may be made of a semiconductor material (e.g., silicon) comprising donor impurities and may form a base of the one or more memory cells 12. For example, the N+ region 926 may form the base of a row or a column of memory cells 12 of the memory cell array 20. The N+ region 926 may comprise a continuous planar region configured above the P+ substrate 130. The N+ region 926 may also comprise a plurality of barrier walls formed on the continuous planar region. The plurality of barrier walls of the N+ region 926 may be oriented in a column direction and/or a row direction of the memory cell array 20.

The bit line (CN) 30 may be formed of at least one layer. In an exemplary embodiment, the bit line (CN) 30 may comprise a plurality of layers. For example, the first layer of the bit line (CN) 32 may be formed of a polysilicon material or silicon dioxide material, and/or a combination thereof. In another exemplary embodiment, the first layer of the bit line (CN) 30 may be formed of a semiconductor material (e.g., intrinsic silicon) comprising donor impurities. For example, the first layer of the bit line (CN) 30 may be formed of a silicon material doped with nitrogen, arsenic, and/or phosphorus impurities. In an exemplary embodiment, the first layer of the bit line (CN) 30 may be formed of a silicon material with donor impurities having a concentration of 10¹⁸ atoms/cm³ or above. The second layer of the bit line (CN) 30 may be formed of a metal material, polysilicon material, silicon dioxide material, and/or a combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the second layer of the bit line (CN) 30 may be formed of tungsten, titanium, titanium nitride, polysilicon or a combination thereof. For example, the bit line (CN) 30 may be coupled to a plurality of memory cells 12 (e.g., a column or a row of memory cells 12 of the memory cell array 20). The bit line (CN) 30 may be configured above the first P− region 920.

The word lines (WL) 28 may be capacitively coupled to the second P− region 922. The word lines (WL) 28 may be oriented in a row direction of the memory cell array 20 and coupled to a plurality of memory cells 12. The word lines (WL) 28 may be arranged on side portions of the memory cells 12 (e.g., memory cells 12 located on a row direction of the memory cell array 20). For example, the word lines (WL) 28 may be arranged at two side portions of the second P− region 922 of the memory cells 12.

For example, the word lines (WL) 28 may be formed of a polycide material (e.g., a combination of a metal material and a silicon material), a metal material, and/or a combination of a polycide material and a metal material. In another exemplary embodiment, the word lines (WL) 28 may be formed of an doped silicon material. In an exemplary embodiment, the word lines (WL) 28 may capacitively couple a voltage potential/current source of the memory cell selection and control circuitry 38 to the second P− region 922 of the memory cell 12. In an exemplary embodiment, the first word line (WL) 28 may implement a write logic low (e.g., binary “0” data state) operation on the memory cell 12, while the second word line (WL) 28 may implement a write logic high (e.g., binary “1” data state) operation.

The source line (EN) 32 may be coupled to the third P− region 924 of the memory cell 12. The source line (EN) 32 may be formed of a metal material. In another exemplary embodiment, the source line (EN) 32 may be formed of a polycide material (e.g., a combination of a metal material and a silicon material). In other exemplary embodiments, the source line (EN) 32 may be formed of a P+ doped silicon layer. For example, the source line (EN) 32 may be coupled to a plurality of memory cells 12. The source line (EN) 32 may be configured on a side portion of the third P− region 924.

An oxide layer 128 may be formed on the N+ region 926 and/or the P+ substrate 130. For example, the oxide layer 128 may be formed of an insulating material. In an exemplary embodiment, the oxide layer 128 may be formed of an insulating oxide material. The oxide layer 128 may include a plurality of barrier walls formed of an insulating oxide material. The plurality of barrier walls may be oriented in a column direction and a row direction of the memory cell array 20. For example, a first barrier wall of the plurality of barrier walls may be oriented in a column direction. A second barrier wall of the plurality of barrier walls may be oriented in a row direction. The first barrier wall oriented in a column direction may have a different height from the second barrier wall oriented in a row direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the first barrier wall oriented in the column direction and the second barrier wall oriented in the row direction may intersect to form a trench region. The oxide layer 128 may form a trench region that may have a cross-sectional shape to accommodate one or more memory cells 12 therein. For example, the trench region may have a cross-sectional shape of a square, a rectangle, a cylinder, and/or other shapes that may accommodate one or more memory cells 12.

In an exemplary embodiment, the P+ substrate 130 may be made in the form of a P-well substrate. In another exemplary embodiment, the P+ substrate 130 may be made of a semiconductor material (e.g., silicon) comprising acceptor impurities and may form a base of the memory cell array 20. In alternative exemplary embodiments, a plurality of P+ substrates 130 may form the base of the memory cell array 20 or a single P+ substrate 130 may form the base of the memory cell array 20.

An insulating layer 132 may be formed on top of the first P− region 920. For example, the insulating layer 132 may be formed of an insulating material, oxide material, and/or dielectric material. In an exemplary embodiment, the insulating layer 132 may be formed of a silicon nitride material. The insulating layer 132 may be formed above the first P− region 920 to electrically insulating the bit line (CN) 30.

Referring to FIG. 10, there are shown control signal voltage waveforms for performing a write operation on a memory cell 12 shown in FIG. 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the various control signals may be configured to perform a write logic low (e.g., binary “0” data state) operation, and/or a write logic high (e.g., binary “1” data state) operation. In an exemplary embodiment, various control signals may be applied to the memory cell 12 to perform one or more write logic low (e.g., binary “0” data state) operations to one or more selected memory cells 12. For example, the write logic low (e.g., binary “0” data state) operation may be performed to one or more selected memory cells 12 in order to deplete charge carriers that may have accumulated/stored in the floating body regions of the one or more selected memory cells 12. Various voltage potentials may be applied to the various regions of the memory cell 12. In an exemplary embodiment, the voltage potentials applied to the first N− region 120, the third N− region 124, and/or the P− region 126 may be maintained at 0V. The voltage potential applied to the word line (WL) 28 that may be capacitively coupled to the second N− region 122 may be raised from a voltage potential applied during the hold operation. In an exemplary embodiment, the voltage potential applied to the word line (WL) 28 that may be capacitively coupled to the second N− region 122 may be raised to −0.5V.

Under such biasing, the junction between the first N− region 120 and the second N− region 122 and the junction between the second N− region 122 and the third N− region 124 may be forward biased. The junction between the third N− region 124 and the P− region 126 may be reverse biased or weakly forward biased (e.g., above a reverse bias voltage and below a forward bias threshold voltage potential). The hole charge carriers that may have accumulated/stored in the second N− region 122 may flow to the first N− region 120 and/or the third N− region 124. Thus, the hole charge carriers that may have accumulated/stored in the second N− region 122 may be depleted via the first N− region 120 and/or the third N− region 124. By removing the hole charge carriers that may have accumulated/stored in the second N− region 122, a logic low (e.g., binary “0” data state) may be written to the memory cell 12.

After performing a write logic low (e.g., binary “0” data state) operation, the control signals may be configured to perform a hold operation in order to maintain a data state (e.g., a logic high (binary “1” data state)) stored in the memory cell 12. In particular, the control signals may be configured to perform a hold operation in order to maximize a retention time of a data state (e.g., a logic low (binary “0” data state)) stored in the memory cell 12. Also, the control signals for the hold operation may be configured to eliminate or reduce activities or field (e.g., electrical fields between junctions which may lead to leakage of charges) within the memory cell 12. In an exemplary embodiment, during a hold operation, a negative voltage potential may be applied to the word line (WL) 28 that may be capacitively coupled to the second N− region 122 of the memory cell 12 while constant voltage potentials may be applied to the first N− region 120 via the source line (EN) 32, the third N− region 124 via the bit line (CN) 30, and/or the P− region 126 via the carrier injection line (EP) 34 may be maintained at 0V.

For example, the negative voltage potential applied to the word line (WL) 28 (e.g., capacitively coupled to the P− region 122 of the memory cell 12) may be −2.0V. During the hold operation, the junction between the first N− region 120 and the second N− region 122 and the junction between the third N− region 124 and the second N− region 122 may be reverse biased in order to retain a data state (e.g., a logic high (binary “1” data state) or a logic low (binary “0” data state)) stored in the memory cell 12.

In another exemplary embodiment, control signals may be configured to write a logic high (e.g., binary “1” data state) to one or more selected memory cells 12 of one or more selected rows of the memory cell array 20. For example, the write logic high (e.g., binary “1” data state) operation may be performed on one or more selected rows of the memory cell array 20 or the entire memory cell array 20. In another exemplary embodiment, a write logic high (e.g., binary “1” data state) operation may have control signals configured to cause accumulation/storage of hole charge carriers in the second N− region 122.

In an exemplary embodiment, a voltage potential applied to the first N− region 120 of the memory cell 12 via the source line (EN) 32 and a voltage potential applied to the third N− region 124 via the bit line (CN) 30 may be maintained at the same voltage potential as the voltage potential during the hold operation. For example, the voltage potential applied to first N− region 120 via the source line (EN) 32 and the third N− region 124 via the bit line (CN) 30 may be maintained at 0V. The voltage potential applied to the word line (WL) 28 that may be capacitively coupled to the second N− region 122 may be also maintained the same as during the hold operation. For example, the voltage potential applied to the word line (WL) 28 that may be capacitively coupled to the second N− region 122 may be maintained at −2.0V.

The voltage potential applied to the P− region 126 via the carrier injection line (EP) 34 may be raised from a voltage potential applied during the hold operation. In an exemplary embodiment, the voltage potential applied to the P− region 126 via the carrier injection line (EP) 34 may be raised to approximately 0.7V to 0.9V from 0V.

Under such biasing, the junction between the third N− region 124 and the P− region 126 may become forward biased. For example, the majority charge carriers (e.g., holes) may flow toward from the P− region 126 to the second N− region 122 via the third N− region 124. Thus, a predetermined amount of hole charge carriers may be accumulated/stored in the N− region 122 via the P+ region 126 and the third N− region 124. The predetermined amount of charge carriers accumulated/stored in the second N− region 122 (e.g., capacitively coupled to word line (WL) 28) may represent that a logic high (e.g., binary “1” data state) may be written in the memory cell 12.

Referring to FIG. 11, there are shown control signal voltage waveforms for performing a read operation on a memory cell 12 shown in FIG. 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, control signals may be configured to perform a read operation of a data state (e.g., a logic low (binary “0” data state) and/or a logic high (binary “1” data state)) stored in one or more selected memory cells 12 of one or more selected rows of the memory cell array 20.

The control signals may be configured to a predetermined voltage potential to implement a read operation via the bit line (CN) 30. In an exemplary embodiment, the voltage potential applied to the first N− region 120 via the source line (EN) 32 and the voltage potential applied to the P− region 126 via the carrier injection line (EP) 34 may be maintained at 0V. The voltage potential applied to the word line (WL) 28 that may be capacitively coupled to the second N− region 122 and the voltage potential applied to the third N− region 124 may be raised from the voltage potentials applied during the hold operation. In an exemplary embodiment, the voltage potential applied to the word line (WL) 28 that may be capacitively coupled to the second N− region 122 may be raised to −1.0V from −2.0V. The voltage potential applied to the third N− region 124 via the bit line (CN) 30 may be raised to 1.0V from 0V.

Under such biasing, when a logic low (e.g., binary “0” data state) is stored in the memory cell 12, the predetermined amount of hole charge carriers accumulated/stored in the second N− region 122 during hold operation may flow toward the third N− region 124. The predetermined amount of hole charge carriers flown to the third N− region 124 may cause an injection of electron charge carriers from the third N− region 124. The injection of electron charge carriers from the third N− region 124 may cause a current spike and may change a voltage potential on the bit line (CN) 30. A data sense amplifier in the data write and sense circuitry 36 may detect the small amount of voltage potential or current (e.g., compared to a reference voltage potential or current) or no voltage potential or current via the bit line (CN) 30 coupled to the third N− region 124.

When a logic high (e.g., binary “1” data state) is stored in the memory cell 12, the predetermined amount of hole charge carriers (e.g., that may represent a logic high (e.g., binary “1” data state)) accumulated/stored in the second N− region 122 may flow toward the third N− region 124. The predetermined amount of hole charge carriers injected into the third N− region 124 may also cause an injection of electron charge carriers into the third N− region 124. The injection of electron charge carriers into the third N− region 124 may cause a current spike and may change a voltage potential on the bit line (CN) 30. A data sense amplifier in the data write and sense circuitry 36 may detect the generated voltage potential or current e.g., compared to a reference voltage potential or current) via the bit line (CN) 30.

At this point it should be noted that providing techniques for providing a semiconductor memory device in accordance with the present disclosure as described above typically involves the processing of input data and the generation of output data to some extent. This input data processing and output data generation may be implemented in hardware or software. For example, specific electronic components may be employed in a semiconductor memory device or similar or related circuitry for implementing the functions associated with providing a semiconductor memory device in accordance with the present disclosure as described above. Alternatively, one or more processors operating in accordance with instructions may implement the functions associated with providing a semiconductor memory device in accordance with the present disclosure as described above. If such is the case, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that such instructions may be stored on one or more processor readable media (e.g., a magnetic disk or other storage medium), or transmitted to one or more processors via one or more signals embodied in one or more carrier waves.

The present disclosure is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments described herein. Indeed, other various embodiments of and modifications to the present disclosure, in addition to those described herein, will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the foregoing description and accompanying drawings. Thus, such other embodiments and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Further, although the present disclosure has been described herein in the context of a particular implementation in a particular environment for a particular purpose, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that its usefulness is not limited thereto and that the present disclosure may be beneficially implemented in any number of environments for any number of purposes. Accordingly, the claims set forth below should be construed in view of the full breadth and spirit of the present disclosure as described herein. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A semiconductor memory device comprising: a plurality of memory cells arranged in an array of rows and columns, each memory cell comprising: a first region coupled to a source line; a second region coupled to a bit line; a body region capacitively coupled to at least one word line and disposed between the first region and the second region; and a third region coupled to a carrier injection line; wherein the first region, the second region, and the body region have a common first doping polarity; wherein the third region has a second doping polarity that is different from the first doping polarity.
 2. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 1, wherein the first region is coupled to a first poly plug and the second region is coupled to a second poly plug.
 3. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 1, wherein the first region, the second region, the body region, and the third region are arranged in a planar configuration.
 4. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 3, wherein the first region, the second region, and the body region are doped with donor impurities.
 5. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 4, wherein the third region is doped with acceptor impurities.
 6. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 5, wherein the first region, the second region, and the body region are undoped regions.
 7. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 3, wherein the body region is coupled to a first doped region and the third region is coupled to a second doped region.
 8. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 7, wherein the second doped region is doped with acceptor impurities having a concentration higher than the doped third region.
 9. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 3, wherein the first region, the second region, and the body region are doped with acceptor impurities.
 10. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 3, wherein the third region is doped with donor impurities.
 11. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 10, wherein the first region, the second region, and the body region are undoped regions.
 12. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 1, wherein the first region, the second region, and the body region are arranged in a vertical configuration.
 13. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 12, wherein the first region, the second region, and the body region are doped with donor impurities.
 14. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 13, wherein the third region is doped with acceptor impurities.
 15. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 14, wherein the third region is made of a P-well region.
 16. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 1, wherein the first region, the second region, and the body region have different doping concentrations.
 17. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 12, wherein the source line and the bit line are arranged on opposite sides of the memory cell.
 18. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 12, wherein the first region, the second region, and the body region are doped with acceptor impurities.
 19. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 18, wherein the third region is doped with donor impurities.
 20. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 19, wherein the third region is made of an N-well region. 